RS485 provides the physical layer for a network, allowing multiple drivers and receivers on the same wire pair in a multi-point bus. The 10 million bit per second, 1200 metre limitations of RS422 apply, and in fact RS485 transmitters and receivers can be used in RS422 applications.
| There can be up to 32 drivers and receivers on the same line. | | Spurs can be situated at any point | | Drivers have contention protection, integral thermal shutdown and are fully protected against excessive power dissipation. | | Receivers have wider common-mode range, increased sensitivity and higher input impedance compared to RS422. | | Repeaters can be used to extend line lengths. | | |
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